Recognises efforts in promoting solar energy

Emirates Solar Industry Association (ESIA), a non-profit, nongovernmental association, which aims to expand the use of solar technologies at the national and regional level, has announced instituting solar awards in various categories from this year, during the Middle East Summit of Solar Energy held at Meydan Hotel Dubai.

ESIA revealed that the Leadership Award in Solar Projects 2012 was given to H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), in recognition of his achievements in promoting solar projects in Dubai. The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy was the recipient of the Policy Maker of the Year Award, and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) bagged the Utility of the Year Award.

Thanking Emirates Solar Industry Association for presenting the awards for the first time, which will promote the drive of renewable energy in the UAE, in line with the Green Economy for Sustainable Development, an initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Al Tayer said: “Solar energy has become a reality in Dubai, as it constitutes part of the energy mix in the emirate, and will contribute five per cent of total energy by 2030.

“Plans have been set and the project of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which includes solar plants that produce 1,000 Megawatt in addition to the other utilities in the park, like Research and Development Centre and Innovation Academy.” Al Tayer added that all indications showed that Dubai would become a pioneering model in the renewable energy market in the Middle East region and would lead the drive towards a new future of sustainable energy.